Granite State College Celebrates the 2012 Graduation of over 500 Students and Presents Honorary Degree and Awards at Commencement Ceremony

Concord, NH – On Sunday, June 10, Granite State College (GSC) celebrated the graduation of over 500 students from its Bachelor’s and Associate programs at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, NH. This year's graduating class is the largest in the College's history. GSC also presented awards to Andy Lietz, Christopher Pope and Daniel Gardoqui.

Granite State College is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012, along with record enrollments college-wide. As part of the University System of New Hampshire, GSC empowers students to fulfill their dreams via innovative higher education degrees and programs. GSC serves over 3,500 students statewide and beyond annually, and has served over 54,000 New Hampshire students since 1972. GSC proudly delivers practical and relevant education in the classroom and online, offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, post-baccalaureate programs for teacher education and a variety of transfer opportunities. GSC is committed to empowering and educating students, by delivering unparalleled, high-quality education in an affordable, flexible and innovative setting. Granite State College provides access at 10 locations across the state, including Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, Rochester, Claremont, Lebanon, Conway, Littleton and Berlin.

Honorary Doctorate 2012

Granite State College awarded Andrew “Andy” Lietz an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the state of New Hampshire and its citizens. As a business leader, wise counsel-giver and keen strategist, Mr. Lietz has provided guidance for dozens of organizations, business leaders and individuals over his lifetime.

Andy Lietz has long been committed to higher education. With his more than 40 years of corporate management experience, and more than 20 years of service in public sector activities and on public company boards, Lietz brought valuable leadership and perspective as a member and eventual Chairman of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board of Trustees. His keen eye for strategy and unwavering commitment to higher education access for the residents of New Hampshire was omnipresent in his decision-making and made a tremendous positive impact on the University System and the many students it serves.

In 2007, Mr. Lietz was honored with the Business and Industry Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to leadership in his profession, community and the State of New Hampshire.